Business Trip to Manila, PH (9-11th Nov)

The last time I was in the Philippines, was in 2006 with my previous department for a meeting. Can't belief tht I'll be having another chance of visiting this country again in 2009.

I was really nervous leaving for this trip because it's to attend a meeting among my boss' peers. What if the ideas I have to contribute is too shallow? What if I don't portray the standards tht they expect of me (like the last disastrous encounter that totally demolished my self-confidence in carrying "intelligent conversation")? What if my performance in these 2-3days became the lasting impression on my overall performance / work, that even if I do a thousand good, 1 err here would turn it to dust (forgotten)?!

Sigh... since when was I so pessimistic & unsure of my abilities?.... Oh yea... tht stupid comment from an ignorant fool who formed his opinion in the first 10mins of my conversation with the top management rep. Jeezzz.... I shouldn't allow myself to be "stepped" on & remain down forever... I should redeem myself & show everyone tht I have something to offer & tht fool was wrong!!

& with that thought, I tried my best to mingle with everyone, get involved in as much discussion / conversation, share my views & thoughts, ask questions & try not to be too quiet. The only part I struggle was when there was a game of "LaserExtreme" as part of the team building activity. Picture this, it's a game similar to paint ball but less messy & a whole lot less painful (I dunno tht paintball was painful since I've never played it, but the rest of the team who did, profess to it, so it must be true). We have to wear a jacket with lighted sensors on our shoulders, ribs & back. The aim is to "shoot" our laser to the sensors & for each "hit", the lights of the "victims" vest would turn off for 3 seconds where he / she can't be shot at & can't shoot others as well.

Those who knows me, can confirm tht I hate combat games. Though I'd say it's not rough, but it involves shooting at ppl / be shot at & tht in itself is not my favourite (not to mention I got among the lowest 2 scores). However, since everyone had fun & it was really a good workout - I sweat buckets, I'm happy.

I also notice tht the weather was exceptionally humid this time. The last time in 2006, it was cooler & easier to walk. Now, it's so hot & humid tht I can feel my foundation dripping down my "valley" (hehe.... sensor... sensor...) & if it gets any hotter, my mascara would run & I'd look like a wreak. I mentioned this to the PH colleagues & they said tht it's normal especially right after a typhoon. Hmm.... interesting fact.... So to those who plan to travel to PH, pls make sure tht it's not immediately after a typhoon. Give it a rest till it's less humid.... :-)

Unfortunately in this trip our meeting schedule was quite packed & after dinner, all the shops / malls are closed, so I didn't get to do much shopping. Was hoping tht I can stock up on my spices (McCormick spices in PH is really cheap... like half the price we got here) & buy some stuff for mum, dad & bros. The only shopping I did (if you can call it so) was at the airport where I bought a key chain (for a friend who collects it) & some bookmarks for my nieces & nephews back home.

Though I wished I could stay longer in Manila to do some shopping & walking around, but I must admit tht I love being home & being with hubby... It's good to be home...

Condolences...

I was shocked & saddened to find out that my dear ol' friend has just lost her mother to lung cancer.

I can't imagine the pain she's going through, first with the dad & now the mum gone. I just pray & hope tht she & her sister recovers & become stronger.